Pages

Monday, 21 April 2014

Pictures of Birds: Canada Geese

I love to make up little photo journals - this one features Canada geese photographed just down from my home near the Leeds to Liverpool Canal. The birds are frequent visitor to the greenfield site at Greenhill. I've included a few facts about Canada geese that you might enjoy.

Canada geese are slightly smaller than domestic geese and have a reputation of being rather aggressive. They are certainly very protective of their young. They are very attractive birds, having a distinctive black head and white chin strap.

Last year this family had seven goslings. It was fascinating to watch them grow very quickly from cuddly fluffy goslings to miniature versions of the adults. Like most geese, the adults keep close watch over the goslings and teach them all they need to know, including how to fly. They were a common sight running the Greenhill strengthening their wings. These particular geese are all-year residents locally but their instinct would be to have the young ready for a long migration flight before winter.

They also appeared to be enthusiastic gardeners of local lawns although I am unsure the residents appreciated the fertilizer.

Bird picture: Canada goose

Adult Canada goose 'It's all about reflections'

Source: pictures by wildlife photographer annmackiemiller

Bird pictures: Canada goose

Acrobatic Canada Goose "look! I can stand on one leg."

Source: annmackiemiller: copyright 2011

Canada goose "... plus - I can stand on one leg on a stone..."

Source: annmackiemiller

Canada goose "...in a bubbling brook!"

Source: annmackiemiller

Bird pictures: Canada Geese Goslings

Canada geese and goslings

Source: pictures by wildlife photographer by annmackiemiller

Canada goose gosling

Source: annmackiemiller

Canada goose and goslings

Source: annmackiemiller

Bird pictures: Young Canada Goose on Bingley Canal

Young Canada goose

Source: pictures by wildlife photographer annmackiemiller

Young Canada goose testing her wings.

Source: annmackiemiller

Information about Canada geese

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Species: Branta canedensis

Common name: Canada goose

Length: 35-43 inches

Wingspan: 5-6 feet

Weight: 9-11 lbs

Lifespan: 20-25 years

Bird pictures: Flight School Goose Style

Canada goose teaching young to fly

Source: annmackiemiller

Bird pictures by wildlife photographer AnnMackieMiller

Canada geese. These and more pictures feature on cards and gifts on zazzle. Follow the link to browse.